Farmers’ Workshop at BAU Sabour Focuses on Value Addition and Female Participation in FPOs

Bhagalpur: A one-day workshop for officials of the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) was inaugurated today at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sabour, by Dr. A.K. Sah, Dean of Agriculture at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. The event began with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the start of a day dedicated to advancing agricultural practices in the region.

The workshop featured notable figures including Dr. R.K. Sohane, Director of Extension Education, Dr. M.K. Wadhwani, Director of Administration, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, and Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sabour. Also present were Dr. Anil Yadav, District Agriculture Officer, Bhagalpur, C.K. Sinha, District Development Manager of NABARD, Bhagalpur, along with representatives from 16 FPOs in the district.

Speakers at the workshop highlighted the importance of increasing female participation in FPOs, emphasizing that farmers should be skilled not only in production but also in business management. They underscored the value of using social media to promote agricultural products and stressed the potential for value addition, particularly in products like litchi and mustard, which could be complemented by beekeeping to produce high-quality honey.

The session also addressed the potential economic benefits of goat rearing, suggesting it as a viable supplementary activity for FPOs. During the event, FPO officials presented challenges faced in operations, such as a lack of awareness about the benefits of FPOs among farmers, gaps in value chain development, and difficulties related to marketing, accounting, banking loans, and obtaining licenses.

In response, Dr. Anil Yadav and C.K. Sinha assured attendees of their commitment to addressing these issues, with plans for future meetings and training sessions to provide solutions. The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Md. Ziaul Hoda, Dr. Manish Raj, Anjum Hashim, Shashi Kant, and Ruby Kumari, who ensured the smooth running of the event.